We have yet to fully subscribe to a specific teaching style or curriculum, but we aren't precisely unschooling either. We're somewhere in between, and the world around us is full of educational opportunities, especially in nature. This month we took on the Mammoth Hiking Challenge to support the Ice Age Trail here in Wisconsin, and while hiking the canal segment, we discovered so much. A lesson was written by snakes that slithered across the trail and turtles that sunbathed on logs that landed in the canal long ago. It was a magical moment for our boys as they were filled with gladness and curiosity.
While wandering along the historic canal, we found three different snakes! I rarely see snakes when I hike; when I do, it's always thrilling. These snakes provided several teaching opportunities for our family.
Disclaimer: This is not an official snake identification guide! Please consider other resources, as this blog is only meant for inspirational purposes.
Lesson 1: Wyatt tried to pick up this northern water snake (pictured below). Because I didn't know the name, I snapped a picture for later reference, and then we let him slither off into the woods. I told the boys that we should never touch a snake that we can't name because some snakes are dangerous, and if they bite, you'll need to get to the hospital immediately. This was a teachable moment in snake identification and safety.
Lesson 2: It's better to look rather than touch. Even if a snake is not dangerous, it's better to observe from a distance and avoid stressing it out for no reason. If a snake feels threatened, it might bite! Ouch! Wyatt, being only three, had no fear and tried to pick up the northern water snake! Thankfully, he wasn't bitten! Boys, right?!
Lesson 3: Snakes can have look-a-likes! This fox snake (pictured below) spotted along the trail by Grandma, happens to be one. When threatened, Fox snakes and many other non-venomous snakes rattle their tails. Fox snakes closely mimic the sound of a rattlesnake by shaking its tail in the leaves or another nearby object. The rattlesnake has a few look-a-likes, so it's important to know, especially in the rare case that you'd get bit by one! Our oldest son was able to witness the rattling of a fox snake!
Lesson 4: Watson spotted a common garter snake. It's very distinct looking with those yellow stripes. The ribbon snake closely resembles the garter snake, but they are currently endangered in Wisconsin. Garter snakes are non-venomous, but they can bite if threatened. If you notice a foul-smelling musk, watch out because they often emit an odor right before they bite!
We want to learn more about snakes, so the next time we visit a nature center, we plan to show these pictures to the rangers. Rangers often like to hear about the wildlife hanging out in the park and can provide further information.
Do you like snakes?
Heck no!
They are awesome!
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